‘It happens many times’ — Guardiola reacts to Real Madrid defeat

Pep Guardiola was frustrated after Manchester City’s 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie.

Despite Erling Haaland’s impressive double, City’s inability to hold their lead twice at the Etihad proved costly.

Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz, and Jude Bellingham all scored for Madrid, securing a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg at the Bernabeu.

Reflecting on the game, Guardiola pinpointed “bad decisions” as the key factor behind City’s defeat.

“Many times it happens this season,” he said. “I know the quality of Real Madrid. We took the game in the second half and tried to attack too quick.”

Guardiola acknowledged that Madrid’s exceptional quality played a significant role in City’s struggles. “It happens because they are an exceptional team,” he added.

“But it happens many times this season. Bad decisions, that’s all,” he said.

When asked about the impact of injuries on City’s performance, Guardiola took responsibility for the team’s mistakes.

“I take it. It’s not about you and me, it’s everyone. Yeah, that is all season [injuries]. But we know it.”

The defeat highlighted City’s ongoing struggles with costly mistakes and lapses in concentration.

With a crucial midweek game against Newcastle on the horizon, followed by the second leg against Madrid, Guardiola’s men will need to regroup and refocus quickly.